Weekly IT News Roundup: January 31, 2025

Chinese startup  DeepSeek has sent shockwaves through the AI industry with its DeepSeek-V3  model, developed at a fraction of the cost of its competitors.This  open-source, highly effective AI model, which reportedly cost under $6  million to build, has triggered a dramatic rethink on artificial intelligence  spending worldwide.The impact has been felt across the tech industry,  with major companies like Nvidia, Broadcom, and Oracle experiencing  significant stock price drops.This development could potentially  reshape the AI market and accelerate innovation in the field.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that India will develop its own generative AI models this year, signaling the country's entry into the global AI race. The government has invited proposals from startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs to collaborate on building state-of-the-art foundational AI models trained on Indian datasets. This initiative, part of the IndiaAI Mission, aims to create AI models that address unique challenges and opportunities within the Indian context while aligning with global standards.

‍

In a shocking revelation, Meta's WhatsApp has exposed a sophisticated cyber surveillance operation targeting nearly 90 users across 24 countries. The Israeli spyware company

‍

The newly inaugurated Trump administration has made significant changes to the cybersecurity sector, dismissing all members of the Department of Homeland Security's advisory committees, including the Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB). This move has raised concerns about the continuity of critical cybersecurity investigations, such as the ongoing probe into the Salt Typhoon attacks on telecommunications companies. The administration's actions suggest a potential shift in cybersecurity priorities, with some experts speculating that it could lead to a more deregulated approach to cybersecurity in the private sector.

Tech Industry Braces for More Layoffs in 2025 attributed to various factors, including economic uncertainties and the rapid advancement of AI technologies. The situation raises questions about the future job landscape in the tech sector and the potential impact of AI on employment.

‍